A special function was held in the Great Hall at Queen’s on Monday 14th March to mark Commonwealth Day 2011. The event was organised and promoted by student societies at the university, including the DUA.

Many international students from Commonwealth countries were in attendance, as were many distinguished guests including ambassadors, MLAs, the Vice-Chancellor and other members of Queen’s staff.

As well as enjoying a superb meal, those present heard speeches from Lord Rana and William Hay MLA, Speaker of the NI Assembly and President of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association. Both men spoke on the theme for this year’s celebration, “Women as agents of change”. A selection of musical entertainment was provided and a medley of patriotic tunes including “Rule Britannia”, “Land of Hope and Glory” and the National Anthem was certainly a highlight in what was an enjoyable evening.

East Londonderry MP Gregory Campbell visited Queen’s last Tuesday as guest speaker at our monthly Association meeting. Mr. Campbell spoke on the current political situation in Northern Ireland. He explained that whilst some in our society claim that nothing has changed politically over the past few decades, and the approach of others is to forget the past and pretend that all has changed, the DUP approach – recognising that the challenges of today aren’t the same as the challenges of the past, but that we need to be ever mindful of our opponents’ ambitions – is the correct one.

Mr. Campbell also spoke on the vital upcoming Assembly and Local Government elections, as well as the DUP’s priorities for the next term of the Assembly.

This was followed by a question and answer session with members present. We thank Gregory for taking the time for taking the time to speak to us.